The Holidays Craze

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to everyone! I've had an absolute blast the past few weeks with lots of holiday activities.

I'm really digging this celebration of two holidays thing. It's double the parties and double the gifts! It all started with the whole family going to a tree farm to find a Christmas tree. I loved running around there and we picked out a really nice one. Mama and Daddy also took me to a toddler gingerbread house decorating party at the local community center and Mama and I had SO much fun sneaking icing and candy in our bellies when we were supposed to be decorating.

I also had a Hanukkah party at school where I got to make my own dreidel and eat yummy latkes and jelly donuts. Later that day my best friend Miya and her family came over and Mama made another Hanukkah party at our house. I loved lighting the menorah every night and even learned how to say "Happy Hanukkah."

Christmas was wonderful, as Daddy's whole family came to visit us! I got to spend a lot of quality time with my Auntie Kerry, Granny, Grandpa Frank and Great Grandma, who I call Mimi. It was very special for us to have everyone here and I loved all the attention I got!

Mama says I got too many presents, but I'm very grateful to all of our wonderful friends and family who spoiled Jilly and I this year. Jilly mostly liked the tissue paper, I've got a few things to teach her.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!

Here are quite a few pictures of our festivities.

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Half a year already

Believe it or not, I turned six months old on the 9th! Mama and Daddy just can't believe how fast it has gone.

It has been a rough couple of weeks here with Nina being sick, my vaccinations, Mama's stomach flu and Daddy's stressful job. We are all tired, especially Mama and Daddy, and they have warned me that it's time I start sleeping through the night or else...yikes.

Fortunately family is arriving soon for the holidays and we are all looking forward to that. Also I'm going to try my first solid food soon! I'm very excited, I always look longingly at Nina's meals.

Anyway, to celebrate my big milestone, here is a photo of Nina at 6 months and me, in the same outfit. We really don't look alike at all, but it's still cool to see us side by side at the same age.

Much love,
Jilly D

Jilly's Big Adventures

Jilly D here, thought I should write as I'm the one who has experienced all of the most recent adventures. Mama and I took a trip back East to visit her friends and family for Thanksgiving. It was exhausting for Mama, taking care of me all by herself, but well worth it.

I loved spending so much time with my cousin Thea and Uncles Luke and Benny. Thea was a great big cousin, she helped change my diaper and gave me lots of blankets and toys to use. She was a wonderful hostess! I miss her already.

Nina and Daddy did great by themselves in Seattle. We missed them a lot and were very happy to be reunited once again.

I can now roll over both ways and am working hard on sitting up!

Here is a link to all the photos, Mama is trying something new, let us know what you think:
http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=7617438007/a=59179036_59179036/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Big helper

I've recently become very interested in my baby sister. I like to "help" her with her pacifier and point out her various body parts. I also like to "help" Mama and Dada burp her, I'm really good at banging on her back.

Here is a video of me "helping" Jilly.

Halloween and such

It has been a really fun couple of weeks! I've been spending a lot of time with my friend Miya and her family. We all went to a pumpkin patch together, decorated our pumpkins and hung out at a Halloween party at Gymboree. It's fun to hang out with her b/c she has a new little sister too and feels my pain.

We had a super fun Halloween, especially b/c my Granny and Papa Frank were here to visit! I had a blast with them, showing off all my new words and tricks. We all went to a costume party together and I loved all the attention Granny gave me. Jilly didn't love her owl costume, but Mama was happy to just get a couple of pictures. Mama and Daddy were also very grateful for their visit b/c they got a night out away from us.

Here are a lot of photos from our recent adventures, Mama had a hard time eliminating since they were all so good!

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Slowly but surely

Jilly D here with some video of me rolling over! I've got front to back down, though it does take me awhile. Starting to work on the other way....I'll report back when I've made some more progress.

Pumpkin Fun

This weekend was a blast! We went to a pumpkin patch with the Mancinos and I got to take a hay ride out to pick my own pumpkin. Of course Max and I found the most enjoyment on the cement slab in the parking lot, we danced and hid in the grass and kept saying "uh oh" to each other. It made us laugh.

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Four fun months

Jilly D here again, thought I'd pop in a post since I just turned four months old! Nina and I have been up to lots of new things. We are starting to notice each other and Mama and Daddy just love it. I think Nina is the most awesome thing to watch ever, but she makes me nervous when she comes crashing to the ground very close to my head. I can grab my feet now and roll onto my side, but not quite over yet. I also have lots of new sounds I'm trying out and even laughed once for Mama.

We had my four month doctor's appointment today and I'm officially a peanut, only 12 1/2 lbs. The doctor also told Mama I'm flexible, so now she's extremely excited that I'm going to be her dancer.

Now I know my ABC's

Mama and Daddy still can't get over how many new words I say each day. My brain is really working hard these days.

Mama got this video of me yesterday repeating the alphabet. She thinks I'm a genius, which is just fine by me. I stumbled with a few, but mostly got it down. Oh and Mama says pardon her voice, she's getting over a cold.

The first of many

Lots of new things going on with us! First of all, Mama got a fancy new camera and has been shooting up a storm. She kind of drives me crazy with it, but she says I'm easy on the eyes and she likes to take pictures of Jilly and I.

Also, I started school this week! I really love my teacher Ian and all the other kids. I especially like being able to sit at a big girl table and eat a snack by myself, even if it does end up all over me. Mama is having a hard time letting me go the whole day by myself, but I think she's going to take the plunge next week and leave me alone.

Jilly is turning three months old and is doing a lot of new things. She coos and smiles and likes to blow spit bubbles. I've been noticing her a lot more, especially all of her body parts. I like to identify them by poking her.

Mama and I have been enjoying some quality time together too, since she feels like she doesn't get to spend alone time with me very often. She took me on my first carousel ride and to the beach last weekend. I love our time together...and Mama really loves when I snuggle and give her hugs and kisses.

Enjoy the pics from Mama's new camera!

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Cousin fun

I had such an amazing week with my Cousin Thea and Uncle Luke! They came all the way from New Jersey to visit us and it was wonderful.

We did so many things together including lots of park visits, the wading pool, Children's Museum and just plain hanging out in the backyard with the sprinkler. I loved having Thea here but I think I annoyed her at times when I grabbed toys from her and followed her around everywhere. I did love watching her dance shows though, she's got some great moves. Mama took Thea out for a date day and they got manis and pedis, can't wait till I have the patience, in about 20 yrs, to sit still in a chair and do that with Mama too.

I learned how to say "uncle" and just loved playing with my Uncle Luke. He was blown away by my energy level and said he now understands just how hard Mama has it with me and Jilly.

Here are some pictures from our adventures together and a video of us hanging out. I feel so lucky to have such a special cousin and Uncle!

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Mike and Susie visit

I had such a fun week with Dada's Uncle Mike and Aunt Susie! They came all the way from CA to help us out and it was sure great having them here.

Uncle Mike really makes me laugh with his goofy sounds, peekaboo games and guitar playing. Aunt Susie took really good care of Jilly and I too, always there lending a hand when Mama needed it.

On the 9th, I turned 18 months old and Jilly turned 2 months old. We had an exciting outing to the pediatrician. Mama was very grateful that Mike and Susie were along to help out, we really did need all six hands. I've grown lots and Jilly is up to 10 lbs now. I've also added "Nayna" to my vocabulary which actually means Nina. I point to pictures of myself and say it. Pretty cool.

Here are some pictures of our week with the Sanders. We miss them lots!

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Summertime fun

I apologize for the delay in posts, I've been SO busy the past few weeks! The weather is beautiful here in Seattle and we have been making the most of it. Mama says I'm in a way better mood if I'm outside, so we keep doing lots of things out doors.

Jilly just turned 7 weeks old and smiled for the first time. That made Mama and Dada very happy. She doesn't do much else yet. I'm saying lots of new words, almost something new everyday. I even learned how to say "no" and in the right context. I'm very happy I can now express my distaste for things.

Here are some photos from our recent adventures including fun with my friend Miya, some yummy ice cream that Uncle Bryant bought for me and a few pics of Jilly and I together. Mama keeps trying to get a good one of us, but we make it difficult for her.

xo,
Nina

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Introducing....me

Jilly D here, I took over this post from my big sister so you could all get to know me too. I'm posting some pics of myself this time, Nina has monopolized this blog for far too long I think. She might sneak into a few though. I got to hang out with my Aunt Judi and Uncle Shel a lot and they were very cool. Aunt Judi even helped my Mama finish my bedroom and it looks really great. I also got to hang out with Nina's friend's new sister Laurel and we've become fast friends.

I'm 5 weeks old now and Mama says I'm a really sweet baby. I don't do a whole lot yet, but Mama and Daddy are enjoying just cuddling and snuggling with me.

You'll hear from me again soon!

Saggy diaper dance

It was just another night in our house, after dinner, before bathtime when Mama caught this video. Daddy and I were playing in the living room and he was trying to get me to do some of my dance moves. Thought I'd share.

Two plus weeks

It's been two weeks plus since my little sister has been living with us and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. The good is definitely outweighing the bad right now b/c I got to have Daddy home with me for a whole week and now Granny is here for two weeks, so I'm getting a lot of extra attention!

We've been really getting out and about and enjoying the weather. I've been to the beach, the zoo, the Childrens' Museum and many parks. Mama's Aunt Judi and Uncle Shel from NYC are in town for a couple of months too so we got to see them this weekend and I really loved them, they are a lot of fun.

Jilly is now almost three weeks old and is up past her birth weight, so Mama and Daddy are happy. She doesn't do that much, still mostly sleeps and eats. I do like to help push her in the swing and pat her head occasionally. I even say "baby" now!

Here are some photos from our recent adventures, including Mama's bday BBQ with friends.

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An arrival

So all of a sudden I woke up Thursday morning and Mama and Daddy's friends JP and Lauren were here to take care of me. I was really confused, but enjoyed spending a couple of days with them. Then all of a sudden Friday afternoon Mama and Daddy came home with a little person they are referring to as "baby" or my "sister." Not sure what to make of it, I went over and said hi, now I don't really care anymore.

Mama wanted me to report in though, that her name is Jillian Dorothy, named for Daddy's father James and Mama's Grandma, Dorothy. She arrived on June 9, 2011 at 1:57am and weighed just over 7 lbs and measured 18 3/4 inches.

Here are some pictures from her arrival and a video of my first meeting with her. Not sure what's to come of this, but I'll keep you all posted.

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Sunny fun

Sorry it's taken me so long to write, Mama and I have been very busy! We had a really nice weekend, first sun in Seattle in awhile. Mama's friends threw her a baby shower for my sister at a park and I really enjoyed running around and scratching up my knees and feet. I got to hang out with my friend Max and even helped give Capucine her bottle. Mama says I'm going to make a great big sister.

Daddy's friend Jim was in town this weekend and he was a ton of fun! He bought me a pink soccer ball and let me ride around on his shoulders. Later in the day we went to June's first bday party and I really enjoyed eating my carrots. I got tired toward the end of the day and found some random woman's lap to sit on and chill. Mama and Daddy were laughing so hard, but I am a social girl.

Mama is 37 1/2 wks pregnant now and really wants my sister to arrive. She complains all the time about her back and feet hurting. I don't help too much b/c I really like to run and get into things now. We'll keep you all posted on any news!

My hat

Mama took this video of me playing the other day. I'm really into wearing this ladybug hat that Mama's friend Katy got for me. Also, you can see me perform some new tricks.

My Uncle Benny

I had a great week with my Uncle Benny! He came to visit me all the way from New Jersey with his pretty girlfriend Stephanie.

We did so many fun things and he introduced me to sand for the first time. We got nice and dirty playing and I really loved all the funny noises and sounds he makes. He also taught me how to put my hands up in the air. The visit came at a great time because we got to all celebrate Mother's Day together too. Mama had a wonderful day with lunch by the water, great presents, flowers, and a home cooked meal.

He calls me his little monkey, which is very appropriate. I miss him already.

Spring time fun

Even though the weather in Seattle isn't quite spring-like yet, we've still been having a lot of fun! Passover was last week and Mama made a nice Sedar for us. My friend Miya came along with her family, her Daddy is Jewish so we decided since she and I are both half, we made a whole Jew together!

I love walking around outside and exploring all the new smells and the way my feet feel walking on the grass. This weekend Daddy dressed me before we went out and he made us match! I loved it because I'm obsessed with him now and cry every time he leaves.

Yesterday we had a wonderful Easter celebration with my friend Will's family. They went all out and got me an awesome Easter basket filled w/ fun toys. I loved playing bubbles with Will's Uncle. Mama dressed me up real fancy, she even put me in a bunny coat with ears.

Looking forward to my Uncle Benny's visit next week!

Daddy is the funniest guy ever

14 month adventures

On Saturday I turned 14 months old! I've been up to a lot of new tricks lately, so I thought I'd share them with you. My walking is coming along great, and I'm working on running already, which Mama says is exhausting for her and her big belly. I'm also a full on toddler now and express myself quite well through screaming, yelling and laughing when it gets a reaction.

Here are some photos of my recent escapades including a playdate with my friend William and a very surprised look as Max and I listened to his Daddy play the guitar. Also a video of me and Daddy, he was trying to get me to show off my new tricks. As long as I get applause, I'll do just about anything!

Look who's walking

I think I can, I think I can...

Everyday is a new adventure for me now! I've accomplished a lot after turning 13 months, I finally got my first tooth and now there is another poking through. I'm starting to take steps, but still prefer crawling, it gets me where I need to go a lot faster. I'm mimicking everything Mama and Daddy tell me to do, I like when they laugh, I clap for them.

Here are some pics of my recent adventures, including Granny and I from her trip here a few weeks ago, my tooth on the top, playing with Daddy and fun at the Tot Gym that Mama takes me to.

Also a video of me trying to climb up a slide, it looked like I would get up there, but there's just so much one woman can do.

Working it out

Mama says I'm very tenacious, as you can see in this video. I tried for days to figure out how that chair works, and I finally succeeded! I had to have Baby along for support though, she comes with me everywhere these days.

Walk n' Roll

I've been having a blast with this really cool walker toy that my Auntie Kristin got me for my bday. I can push it and walk on my own! I haven't quite figured out how to walk without it, or use the toy without some guidance from Mama and Daddy, but I'm having fun working it out.

Birthday celebrations

I had such a great week of bday celebration! It started with a trip to Red Robin on my actual birthday with my friend Will. He's born the same day as me, so we got to celebrate together. We got cupcakes and balloons too, it was a blast! That was the first time I've had a cupcake and oh wow, that stuff is good.

Saturday Mommy and Daddy threw me a ladybug party at Gymboree and that was so much fun. I had about 15 of my baby friends there and we all enjoyed singing, playing and tumbling over one and other. I got another cupcake there too!

My Granny and Auntie Kerry came up for the weekend to celebrate with me and I loved having them here. They also brought me fabulous presents including a hand made rocking horse and my very own recliner chair.

I'm still resting from all the activity, but can't wait to dig into all my new goodies. Here are some pictures from all the festivities.

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Happy Birthday Nina!

On a foggy morning one year ago today, our precious Nina girl was born. It has been a year of ups and downs, but we've fallen more in love with her than we ever thought possible.

Here is a video I put together of her first year, enjoy. It was a challenge, to say the least, but it gives a good idea of how she's grown.

Happy Birthday to our baby girl, here's to many more. We love you beyond words.

Like father like daughter

A lot of people have been telling me I look just like my Daddy lately, which makes him very happy. It makes me excited too because I just adore him right now, Mama could be in the room but I don't care, I only want my Daddy.

Mama found this baby picture of Daddy and wanted to show you all how much I look like him with my gummy smile. I've got my Mama's eyes and coloring, but the rest is all Daddy.

It's a......

girl!!! Nina is going to have a little sister come June. We are very excited, though Christian will officially be outnumbered. I think he's more worried about when they are 16 and 17....well, I am too.

Looking forward to another little princess in our home!

11 months

I turned 11 months old today! I've been having a great time lately discovering a lot of new tricks. I can clap and wave and am extremely noisy. Here are some pictures of my recent escapades.

Daddy and I started swimming lessons and I really like it! We had fun singing and splashing and learning to kick. I also love balloons and was very excited that when Mama and Daddy took me to Red Robin I got my very own one. I discovered the joys of bubble wrap and still enjoy pulling myself up and standing on anything I can. I'm becoming a bit more independent and like to crawl off and play with whatever dangerous thing I can find.

Mama added the last picture because she thinks she spotted a curl by my ear and is very excited.

He did it again!

Last Saturday my crazy Daddy did his 5K run and Polar Bear Plunge into the freezing waters of Lake Washington for the second year in a row. This time I wasn't warm and cozy inside Mama, I had to watch from the outside and it was cold! I started laughing hysterically when all the people were running in the water, it was really quite a site.

Here is a video of Daddy and Uncle Bryant doing their best Polar Bear impressions. Mama says sorry for the shaky camera, she was having a tough time holding me and filming.